Police Investigating Potential 'Extremist' Attack

Newsroom

Posted on August 24, 2016

A French national allegedly yelled out ‘’Allah Akbar’’ during a stabbing at a backpackers hostel in North Queensland before leaving a woman dead and two injured.

Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said their investigations were in the early stages and it was unclear if the comment was made by the attacker at the scene or if they were of an extreme nature.

"It is alleged that the suspect used the phrase 'Allahu Akbar' during the attack and when arrested by police," he said.

"Whilst this information will be factored into the information we are not ruling out any motivations at this early stage, whether they be political or criminal."

The man is being questioned after 30 people witnessed the attack at Shelley’s backpackers in Home Hill on Tuesday night.

A British woman, 21, was killed, while a 31-year-old British man remains in a critical condition following the attack.

Another person was taken to hospital with a stab wound to the leg but has since been released.